What are orthotics? Orthotics are medical devices that offer comfort and correction for biomechanical issues. If you’re a runner, you may be prescribed orthotics to address foot or gait problems. Orthotics are also often prescribed for people who have mechanical issues when walking or who need foot support and correction when standing for long periods. This guide will go over the types of orthotics and offer tips to get the most out of your orthotics.

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What Are Orthotics?

So, what are orthotics? Orthotics are prescription devices that go in your shoes to correct foot issues you may experience while standing, walking, or running.

“Orthotics are medical devices for the feet that can have many different applications,” says Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon at Progressive Foot Care who has been prescribing custom-made orthotics for over 20 years. Orthotics can be made for sports (such as running) or designed for specific shoes like dress shoes, Pinker says.

People with biomechanical issues such as flat feet may be prescribed orthotics. Orthotics can also be used to help people with foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis or medical conditions like arthritis. Orthotics can also help runners by providing mechanical improvements and support.

“Orthotics can be prescribed in many different ways to enhance a runner’s experience, such as off-loading of the heel for heel spurs, adding extensions to address arthritis in the great toe joint, placing metatarsal pads to reduce stress on the forefoot and ball of the foot, and adding higher flanges in the heel region to assist ambulation in a flatfoot condition, among other customizations,” Dr. Pinker says.

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Types of Orthotics

If you’re wondering what are orthotics, it helps to understand the different types of orthotic devices and how each kind works. Also, consult a certified podiatrist for more customized help with finding the best orthotics for you.

Soft Orthotics

Soft orthotics - also called accommodative orthotics - provide cushioning and help ease soreness and pressure in the feet, knees, or lower back. Soft orthotics can help absorb shock, improve balance, and take pressure off areas impacted by biomechanical issues. Soft orthotics

Benefits: Comfortable, usually with a quick adjustment period.
Who They’re For: People experiencing soreness, foot pain, and pressure. Soft orthotics can help people with arthritis, diabetes, plantar fasciitis, and structural foot problems.

Semi-Rigid Orthotics

Semi-rigid orthotics offer some flexibility but are more rigid than soft orthotics. These medium-density orthotics are often used for athletes and people with foot problems due to certain activities. Semi-rigid orthotics can improve balance for walking and running.

Benefits: Effective for movement-based mechanical issues. They are often used to help runners and athletes.
Who They’re For: Athletes, walkers, people with foot problems due to activity.

Rigid Orthotics

Rigid orthotics - or functional orthotics - provide stability and control unwanted movements. These types of orthotics are firm and are made from materials like plastic or carbon fiber. Rigid orthotics are less flexible than soft and semi-rigid orthotics. They can help limit unwanted foot movements and are often used in walking shoes or dress shoes with closed toes and heels. Rigid orthotics can reduce pain and soreness in the legs and even the lower back when the cause is functional problems in the feet.

Benefits: Firm stability features that can correct movement patterns.
Who They’re For: People who have functional feet problems. They’re most often used in walking shoes or dress shoes.

Orthotics for Runners

Running orthotics can help ease pain from injuries or chronic conditions and support the feet in areas where they need the most help. Orthotics can help runners with flat feet as well as those who have reduced fat pads in the bottom of their feet (which happens with age).

“Running orthotics often possess flexibility and shock absorption to complement the spring-like action of the foot,” Dr. Pinker says. “Also, running orthotics often have a cushioned top cover for added shock absorption and support.”

Benefits: They can be helpful for flat-footed runners. Running orthotics offer added shock absorption which can be especially helpful for running on concrete and runners over 50.
Who They’re For: Runners who have tried the right running shoes and other solutions and still have foot pain or related issues. A podiatrist who also practices sports medicine can offer the best custom orthotics for runners.

Cost of Orthotics

The price of custom orthotics can vary depending on your location and if your insurance covers them. In general, custom orthotics cost between $250 and $600, with some orthotics reaching $1000 or more, according to AARP. Semi-custom orthotics cost less but may be less effective, especially if you have severe foot pain or soreness.

Talk to your doctor about an exam with a podiatrist to get a prescription and estimate for orthotics. If you’re a runner, bring your running shoes and socks to get the doctor’s input on your shoes. Runners often have the wrong shoes for their foot type and gait, and an expert can point you in the right direction for a better pair.

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Getting Started with Orthotics

If you are experiencing foot pain that will not go away with rest or physical therapy, talk to your doctor about getting a referral for a podiatrist. The American Podiatric Medical Association offers a directory of podiatrists that can help you locate a certified podiatrist in your area.

Once you locate a podiatrist, you can get a complete medical examination to determine any abnormalities in your feet, Dr. Pinker says. Then, you can get a prescription for custom orthotics if the doctor recommends them.

Orthotics can take some adjustment and trial and error, so finding a good podiatrist is essential. If you’re an athlete, see a podiatrist who also practices sports medicine, so they’ll specialize in mechanical issues common to runners and athletes.

FAQs

What are orthotics?
Orthotics are medical devices that help correct and address foot-related problems. Custom orthotics are designed specifically for your feet and biomechanical issues.
What are the three types of orthotics?
Three types of orthotics are soft orthotics (accommodative orthotics), semi-rigid orthotics, and rigid orthotics (functional orthotics).
How do you tell if you need orthotics?
See a podiatrist to determine if you need orthotics to address any foot problems you’re having.

If you’re experiencing foot problems, pain, or soreness, see your doctor to get a referral for a podiatrist. A podiatrist can examine your shoes and determine what the next best course of action is. For runners, see a podiatrist who also practices sports medicine so they can address your movement-related conditions.

Have you worn custom orthotics or semi-custom orthotics? Tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share your wellness journey and get cheered on. Take care!

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, dog lover, Akita mom, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY.

What Are Orthotics? Types and Tips